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Monday, September 30, 2013

Overall Spencer is a well-behaved, charming and easy dog. However, that does not mean he does not have his 'quirks.' He also has some anxiety and separation issues. I've tried many products to help manage those issues. I came across the Calming Collar in a magazine and reached out to see if Spencer would benefit from it.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

In 1996, my father entered a contest through a farming magazine called "The Great American Farm Dog Contest." Actually, I should note that my mother 'encouraged' him to enter the contest about why he felt he could use a service dog.Perhaps it would be best to give a little back story to why my father would enter such a contest. In June 1986, my father was involved in a motorcycle/car accident on his way home from work. A car failed to stop at a stop sign and ran directly into my father, who then flew off his motorcycle and into a nearby ditch. The accident left him a paraplegic. Never one to be told he couldn't do something or be held back from something he loved to do, he continued to farm once he got out of the hospital for the last time in February 1987. Through creating and adding various, and at first quite crude, lifts onto many of the farm machinery and equipment, he was back in the field within a year. Of course there were things he relied on other people to help him with but, for the most part, he adapted to his situation.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Buying pet costumes can be expensive and you can only use them once, maybe twice a year. Have you ever thought about buying children dress-up clothes, costumes, or outfits and use them for the your pet?

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Spencer had a hard time deciding what he wanted for snack time.... I know that "dog shaming" was a fad months ago and, while some of the photos are kinda cute, it's not something I was totally sold on. Many of them said more about their human than about their furry selves. Some of the photos just screamed "TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" I guess this is the moment where you can point at me and shout "HYPOCRITE!" The photo below is what I first saw after work. The worse part was that Spencer was just so darn proud of himself. As if he was searching it for hidden poison or some toy at the bottom of the box. It was like he was standing on the top of a massive snow pile, banging his chest and yelling "I'M THE KING OF THE WORLD!" As if the crackers, two different kinds of cereal, peanut butter and fish batter was his Mount Everest.In the end it makes for an interesting photo but the chances are good that he will have to be monitored for a few hours and have to have frequent trips outside if you get my drift...

Do you have any pictures of your dog getting into mischief? Or come home to a mess? Please share your pictures or stories so I don't feel quite so irresponsible!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Having been a nurse for almost 7 years now, I could tell you what shots you need and when you need them. But, vaccinations for you puppy or dog, I have no idea what they get and when they get them. The vet that I go to is wonderful about reminding me when Spencer is due for his next visit and which shots he needs. Below is a list of the vaccinations, what they protect and approximately when they should be given. If you are unsure or have any questions contact your veterinarian, they will ultimately be your best resource.

Friday, September 20, 2013

A dog drops on average poops 3/4 pounds of waste daily. That means if your town has 730 dogs that is approximately 550 pounds of dog waste is generated each day! Even if half of that was picked up daily that is still 225 pounds of poop! Yuck, that is a lot of POOP!!!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

This time of the year is our favorite. The weather is cooling down, time to bring out our favorite sweatshirts AND Halloween is right around the corner! Right now, we are hard at work on Spencer's costume. Every year he dresses up and enters the local pet Halloween costume contest. This is our 6th year we will be competing and we have three 1st places wins, a 2nd place and a 4th place win under our belt. Not too bad and I bet you are wondering what he is going to be. Unfortunately, this years costume will not be disclosed until October 29th - can't give our competition any ideas. :) Here is a flash back to his first ever Halloween costume. Calling Dr. Spencer!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Spencer loves going out to my parents' farm. What more could a dog ask for than wide open spaces, the ability to chase cats AND endless amount of squeaky toys. Not to mention my parents have 3 dogs of their very own.

Monday, September 16, 2013

The Scoop That Poop is a campaign to bring awareness of the importance of scooping dog poop. On Monday, September 23rd is the 2nd annual Scoop That Poop Campaign Blog Hop with a theme of "Be A Scooper Hero." One of the nice things about this campaign is that it isn't just for one day. Yeah, blogs around the country are celebrating it on the 23rd, but it is so much more then that. The campaigns is about:

Sunday, September 15, 2013

What a wonderful, much needed Sunday fun day. Every couple of months we - as in my mom, sister and aunt (also my mom's sister) - try to have a girls day/weekend, which I like to call, "Our mother, daughter, sister, aunt day." In the past we have gone to a Murder Mystery Dinner, participated in the Polar Plunge, spent the weekend in the Cities shopping, and spent the day making lefse. A month ago at a farm festival I won four Renaissance tickets. And who else would I take than my girls?!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Long before Spencer inspired this blog, he was hard at work helping, encouraging and supporting a website called History By Zim. History By Zim's purpose is to explore the many people and events that were left out of your history classes.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

The best part of being a dog owner is that they don't care what their toy box looks like or what kind of container holds their treats, food, or water. So take a look in your garage, basement or attic for old wire baskets, cookie jars, big mason jars or bowls and put them to good use again. I went to my parents' farm and found the old wire egg basket. Through re-purposing you can get that "country feel" without spending the big bucks!

You could also use crates, barrels, tins, or trunks that will give you a cool and hip vibe. Be creative my fellow dog lovers. But most importantly, have fun with it! And always remember - the money you save can be used to fill up your containers with toys, treats and other goodness. You'll be the best dog mommy on the block!

Monday, September 9, 2013

(We rubbed peanut butter on a stick to capture this pic of Spencer and 5 of his litter mates. From the Left: Spencer, Gideon, Sebastian, Abby, Kraelyn, and Leia )

If you are like me, I take tons of pictures of Spencer all the time. He is so use to me taking his picture that he is currently more photogenic then my husband. I don't know much about taking a good picture, I mean, I just take keep snapping away hoping that I got at least on good one in the bunch.

Parents: Mom (Reno)-Golden Retriever, Dad-Standard Poodle Birthday: January 2008Eyes: BrownHair: Golden with natural wave Height: 2 feet 6 inches tall on all foursWeight: 65 lbs of pure muscle and fluffInterest: He likes long walks anywhere, loves belly rubs, and is obsessed with his toys.Dislikes: His gentle leader, going to the groomer and watching dogs on tv who he can't play with. Goals in Life: To bring a smile to everyone he meets.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Throughout my entire life I don't think there was one year that we did not have a dog on our farm. Even though I have forgotten some of their names, their memories still live on. And some of them are still touching my heart as we speak. So 6 years ago after I bought my first house, I was thrilled to get my very own 4 legged fur butt.